JP2023532195A - Valve block and cleaning liquid supply method and use of valve block - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a distributed consumer with high flexibility, low complexity, and low overall weight to deliver one or more cleaning media. A valve block (10) for use in supplying cleaning medium to a plurality of consumers, comprising at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22) and at least one cleaning medium supply connection ( 22) and a plurality of switching valves (24, 26) are configured to operate the switching valves (24, 26) individually and alternately and/or to operate the switching valves (24, 26) simultaneously. A valve block (10) comprising a control unit (14) and a position sensing unit adapted to determine the switching position of at least one switching valve (24, 26) without sensors. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3

Description

VALVE BLOCK AND METHOD AND USE FOR SUPPLYING CLEANING MEDIUM TO MULTIPLE CONSUMERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a valve block and method and use for supplying cleaning medium to multiple consumers.

The present invention relates to the field of cleaning medium supply in distributed systems. In modern cars, for example, cleaning fluids are used for cleaning windshields, rear windows and headlights, as well as for cleaning the ever-increasing number of sensors that provide the vehicle with information about the environment within the framework of safety-related driver assistance systems. A cleaning medium such as air or compressed air is required. These include, for example, but are not limited to front and rear cameras, range sensors such as LIDAR (light detection and ranging) and LADAR (laser detection and ranging), lane departure warning sensors, and the like. With the development of autonomous vehicles, the number of sensors is expected to increase. The safety of vehicle operation also depends on the functionality of the sensors.

Up to now, individual consumers have been supplied with cleaning media by their own pumps that operate on demand. Although such pumps have been considerably miniaturized, the weight of the vehicle has increased accordingly.

The present invention has high flexibility, low complexity, low overall weight and allows delivery of one or more cleaning media for decentralized consumers, safety related driving all the way to autonomous vehicles. The task is to ensure the functional safety of vehicle operation in the presence of an increasing number of assistance systems.

The subject is a valve block for use in supplying cleaning medium to a plurality of consumers, comprising at least one cleaning medium supply connection and a plurality of cleaning medium supply connections connected to said at least one cleaning medium supply connection. a switching valve, a control unit configured to actuate said switching valves individually and alternately and/or a plurality of said switching valves simultaneously, and configured to determine the switching position of at least one switching valve without sensors. is solved by a valve block having a position detection unit and a

The valve block thus has the ability to detect the switching position of the switching valve without additional sensors. The switching valve is an electrically controlled electromagnetic valve. The switching valve is defined in two positions to direct or not to pass cleaning media such as cleaning liquid or compressed air to the consumer. In the non-powered state, the armature is normally pressed against the valve seat by the spring, and the valve is in the closed state. Various structures are known for this purpose. When the coil of the switching valve is energized, the armature moves away from the valve seat against the force of the spring, opening the valve. In sensorless position sensing, the switching solenoid simultaneously performs the functions of actuator and sensor, since the change in switching position and the change in the electromagnetic properties of the switching valve are interdependent. The position detector can measure the electromagnetic properties of the valve system, in particular the inductance, and thereby detect the switching position.

This feature opens up the possibility of self-diagnosis of the cleaning system, allowing early detection of problems leading to system failure. In this way, the sensor-free position detection of the valve block ensures the functional safety of the vehicle in the event of contamination of the safety-relevant sensors.

In embodiments, the position detection unit is configured as part of the control unit.

In an embodiment, at least one of the switching valves is configured as a switchable overpressure valve, which contributes to operational safety. A switchable overpressure valve ensures safety by reducing the load on the washing system when the pressure of the washing medium rises above the pressure set on the overpressure valve. The cleaning liquid is then discharged into the environment through the overpressure valve or returned to the cleaning liquid tank. The switchable overpressure valve allows the control unit to open the overpressure valve in other situations if operationally required. Further, by providing the overpressure valve with a position detection function without a sensor, it is possible to detect the opening of the overpressure valve due to overpressure in the washing apparatus.

In an embodiment of the invention, the position detection unit has a plurality of pulses, in particular pulse-width modulated, in at least one current measuring circuit with one or more switching valves, in particular by means of an LED driver unit, the switching valves one or more expectations which measure the course of the current intensity and are indicative of how many of the switching valves of the current measuring circuit are in the open position. Configured to compare with a value. When a current pulse is applied to the current measuring circuit through one or more coils of the switching valve, the inductance of the system comprising the coil and armature causes a delayed increase in the current through the measuring circuit. Since the armature protrudes into the coil differently depending on its position, the inductance of the system also changes. This affects the rising speed of the measurement current in the measurement circuit. The higher the inductance, the slower the current increases. The curve or value of the current in the measuring circuit that is reached after a certain time is thus dependent on the position of the armature in the coil and can be compared with previously determined values.

The measurement signal should not be so strong as to actually move the armature in the coil. Appropriate pulse strength can be determined by performing appropriate measurements prior to use. A particularly preferred form of the measurement signal is a series of fast, short pulses, each pulse only increasing the current for a short time, but their effect on the current strength of the measurement circuit is less than that of a single pulse. cause a change in position, but follow each other closely to accumulate to a value that does not cause a change in position in a series of short pulses. Typical values are 5-15 pulses, eg square pulses, with a frequency of about 10 kHz-100 kHz and a duty cycle of 20-70%. Appropriate values depend on the coil and armature parameters selected and can be readily determined by testing.

The measurement signal can be superimposed on the actual switching signal from the control unit. The system response of the measurement circuit to the measurement pulse does not depend on whether the switching valve is currently energized, but only on the armature position. It can leave the energized state if there is an abnormality in the valve.

Embodiments of the present invention have their own current measuring circuit for each switching valve and the measurement in each current measuring circuit can be performed individually, in particular continuously circulating through a plurality of switching valves, or for all switching valves. There is a separate current measuring circuit which is performed on the total signal from the current measuring circuit and evaluates, in particular, on the position of the at least one switchable overpressure valve for the at least one switchable overpressure valve. Therefore, each variant requires a different position detection unit. If each switching valve has its own current measuring circuit, the position detection unit either has its own measuring circuit for each current measuring circuit or forms a sum signal from which 0, 1, 2 or more It can be determined whether the switching valve is open. Since we know which switching valves should be open at the time of the measurement, we can determine whether these switching valves are certainly open as well. Since typically no more than two consumers will supply cleaning medium at the same time, this cost-saving embodiment may be sufficient. However, switchable overpressure valves should be monitored separately as they are a safety concern for the cleaning system itself.

Another aspect of the invention is a valve block of the previously described embodiments for use in supplying cleaning media to a plurality of consumers, in particular for detecting valve position without sensors, wherein at least one cleaning a medium supply connection, a plurality of switching valves connected to the at least one cleaning medium supply connection, and a control unit configured to individually control the switching valves, the valve block comprising at least A valve distribution housing with a cleaning medium supply connection and a plurality of switching valves connected to the at least one cleaning medium supply connection, an electronic control unit of the valve block being accommodated and combined with the valve distribution housing and a cover on which the valve block is formed.

This aspect of the invention may also be used in combination with the first aspect of the invention for sensorless valve position detection previously described, instead of a dispensing system in which each consumer is assigned its own pump. First, a valve block is used that centralizes the supply of cleaning liquid to the consumer. The valve block comprises a cleaning medium supply connection through which one or more cleaning mediums are introduced under pressure into the valve block and a sufficient number of switching valves to distribute the cleaning medium to different consumers. Therefore, one high-pressure pump can supply cleaning liquid to all consumers. The switching valve is controlled via a control unit. The control unit is housed in the valve block cover and is removable from the valve distribution housing, facilitating maintenance and repair of the valve block.

In addition, weight reduction can be achieved by using a valve block as a place for switching the supply of the cleaning liquid. This is because the weight of the valve block will be less than the sum of the saved pumps. Also, since electric cables are no longer required, wiring can be made lighter.

The valve block according to the invention may optionally have a switchable overpressure valve. The overpressure valve is configured to open when the pressure on the side of the cleaning medium supply connection exceeds a preset value and reduce the pressure at the cleaning medium supply opening. For this purpose, the overpressure valve is designed, for example, like a safety valve. In addition, the overpressure valve is switchable, for example, as an electrically actuated electromagnetic valve, and can be controlled by the control unit.

The fact that the valve block according to the invention has its own control unit makes it possible to adapt the valve block to different environments, for example vehicle types and vehicle installations, and to program it accordingly. For this purpose, the control unit can, for example, have a flash memory which is written according to the assignment and control of the individual valves. Besides this, it is also possible to use known storage.

In particular, in a simple and preferred embodiment, an electrical connection between the electronic control unit on the one hand and a plurality of switching valves, in particular overpressure valves, on the other hand is possible via electrically conductive spring contacts, in particular contact springs. is or has been established. This makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing and maintenance/repair of the valve block. Removal of the cover from the valve distribution housing completely disconnects the electrical connection of such spring contacts. The cover can be removed from the valve distribution housing without being interconnected by electrical cables. At the same time, the spring contacts, in particular the contact springs, are pressed against corresponding conductive contact surfaces on the circuit board of the control unit, connecting the cover back to the valve distribution housing while ensuring safe and uninterrupted electrical contact.

In an embodiment of the invention, the connection of the at least one cleaning medium supply connection to the switching valve takes place via at least one central supply channel, which on two opposite sides: Each has a connection, in particular an opening in the wall, to an individual switching valve, the switching valves being arranged in two rows on either side of a central feed channel, in particular for different cleaning media, in particular cleaning liquid and compressed air. A plurality of cleaning medium supply connections and channels are provided for the cleaning medium supply connections and channels, which are connected to different switching valves. Preferably, the switching valve is arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of the central feed channel. This results in a clear and compact configuration, which simplifies the handling of the valve block. Due to the double row arrangement and no internal valves, all valves are equally easily accessible for connection to the hose for supplying the consumer. At the same time, since all switching valves are on one side, all outlets can be uniformly controlled and cleaning liquid can be supplied even when the operating conditions change, such as when accelerating, curving, or braking. It is possible to arrange such a valve block in a vehicle.

Preferably, the cleaning medium flows axially in at least one switchable overpressure valve and the cleaning medium flows radially in the remaining switching valves. A high throughput is achieved by radially flowing the cleaning liquid through the switching valve. In an advantageous further development, a switchable overpressure valve is connected to the cleaning medium supply connection and the cleaning medium flows axially. The axial flow of cleaning medium in the overpressure valve supports its function as a safety valve.

In an embodiment of the invention, the switching valve differs from the overpressure valve. Thus, the switching valve is kept closed by a first spring force and the at least one switchable overpressure valve is kept closed by a second spring force greater than the first spring force. and in particular has a coil body different from the switching valve.

In particular, structural measures allow the spring force of the switching valve to be kept low. In an embodiment of the invention, the valve armatures of the switching valve are each provided with a clearance space on the switching valve, the switching valve being in fluid communication with the cleaning medium supply connection and being closed in the axial rear part. , the axial rear part is arranged opposite the respective cleaning medium outlet of the switching valve, the fluid acting in particular also on the rear side of the valve armature and/or the valve armature of the switching valve respectively having a sealing cone. I have it. The diverter valve closes indeterminately to prevent cleaning medium from reaching the consumer. For this reason, the switching valve is usually equipped with a spring that pushes it towards the closed state in an undetermined state. Since the clearance space and, in particular, the back side of the valve armature are also filled with pressurized cleaning fluid, an additional pressure is exerted in the direction of the valve seat and the spring force can be configured to be relatively low. In addition, by forming a sealing cone on a part of the valve armature, the airtightness of the opening sealed by the seat of the valve armature is improved, and this measure makes it possible to keep the spring force to be applied low.

In an embodiment of the valve block according to the invention, the switching valves comprise or can comprise individually weldable valve connections, eg with standardized connection openings of the same or different sizes. This means that the valve block can be flexibly adapted to different system conditions, for example consumers with different requirements for cleaning liquid volume and pressure, without other modifications.

Preferably, the electronic control unit is arranged to switch a plurality of switching valves simultaneously. So configured, multiple consumers can be supplied with one or more cleaning media at the same time. In addition, the electronic control unit controls the high pressure pump and can be set to deliver different pressures of cleaning liquid towards the valve block on demand. Preferably, the electronic control unit implements a logic circuit that ensures that only consumers to be controlled at the same pressure are supplied with cleaning medium at the same time.

In particular, in embodiments of the valve block that can be safely mounted, the sides of the valve block, particularly the valve distribution housing, in which the valve connections are located, are provided with orientation structures that are mirror asymmetric and rotationally asymmetric. This structure functions as a coding in a so-called "poka-yoke" sense, and even if the switching valves are arranged symmetrically, there is no ambiguity about the orientation of the switching valves or their assignment to individual consumers. This construction facilitates the coding of slots and hose connections.

The problem underlying the present invention of the invention is solved by a method for supplying a cleaning medium using a valve block according to the invention as described above, in which the control unit of the valve block controls the individual or multiple valve blocks. for opening and closing the switching valves, the position sensing unit determining the switching position of the at least one switching valve without sensors, the position sensing unit being in particular at least one switching valve with one or more switching valves Supplying the current measuring circuit with a measuring signal which preferably has a plurality of pulse-width modulated pulses and which is measured in such a way that it does not influence the position of the switching valve, measures the course of the current intensity, and switches the current measuring circuit. Compare to one or more expected values indicative of how many of the valves are in the open position.

This method has the same properties, advantages and features as the valve block configured for sensorless position sensing according to the invention.

Use of a valve block in a system according to the above-described invention, in particular in a motor vehicle, for supplying cleaning medium to multiple consumers, in particular multiple consumers including multiple sensors to be cleaned. It is used.

The use of the valve block according to the invention in the system according to the invention for supplying cleaning medium to a plurality of consumers also realizes the features, properties and advantages described for the other objects of the invention.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments according to the invention may fulfill individual characteristics or may combine several characteristics.

In the context of the present invention, features marked "especially" or "preferably" shall be understood as optional features.

The present invention has high flexibility, low complexity, low overall weight and allows delivery of one or more cleaning media for decentralized consumers, safety related driving all the way to autonomous vehicles. Functional safety of vehicle operation can be ensured in the presence of increased assistance systems.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a valve block according to the invention in an open state; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the valve block; It is a sectional view of a valve block. FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view of the valve block; FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view of the valve block; Fig. 3 shows the response of the measurement signal according to the method of the invention;

In the following, without restricting the general idea of the invention, the invention will be explained by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein all details of the invention not explained in more detail in the text are referred to the drawings. is explicitly referenced.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and/or parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

All features mentioned, whether taken from the drawings alone or disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, either alone or in combination. Embodiments according to the invention can be realized by individual features or by a combination of several features.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a valve block 10 of one embodiment of the present invention in an open state. Aspects of the invention of sensorless position sensing of the switching valve can be realized simultaneously and are described below in connection with FIG.

In the upper part of FIG. 1, the underside of the cover 12 is shown, in which the circuit board 15 of the electronic control unit 14 is arranged, on the underside of which there are contact surfaces 17, of which only two A direct reference number is given. Further pairs of contact surfaces 17 are depicted on the two long sides of the circuit board 15 . The cover 12 further comprises a connector 16, for example a socket with contacts (not shown).

At the bottom of FIG. 1, a perspective view of the interior of the valve distribution housing 20 is shown. There, eight switching valves 26 are arranged in parallel in two rows of four each, and an overpressure valve 24 is arranged. Two contact springs 30 are arranged to contact the contact surfaces 17 on the circuit board 15 of the . A connection port 28 welded to the valve distributor housing 20 is shown on the underside of the valve distributor housing 20 . These can have different dimensions and are preferably standardized.

The valve distribution housing 20 has four attachments 21 for attachment to the outer frame. Switching valve 26, like overpressure valve 24, is constructed as an electromagnetic valve. The magnetic return element and coil body 38 are indicated in FIG. There is no switching valve opposite the overpressure valve 24 . In this position the cleaning medium supply connection 22 is hidden underneath.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the valve block 10 of FIG. 1 from the outside. The connection 28 is identical to the bank of switching valves 26 which also includes the overpressure valve 24 . Another row of ports 28 is hidden behind it in perspective.

In FIG. 2, three cross-sectional planes AA, BB, CC are shown that define the cross-sections of FIGS. A horizontal section in the plane spanned by section plane AA is shown in FIG. 3 and defines a section through the portion of valve block 10 having central feed passage 32 . The cleaning medium supply connection 22 opens directly into this central supply channel 32 . A cleaning medium, for example a cleaning liquid, introduced into the valve block 10 from the cleaning medium supply connection 22 first fills the central supply channel 32 . From there, the cleaning medium passes through the wall opening 34 and into the annular cavity of the switching valve 26 and flows radially. Unlike the switching valve 26, the overpressure valve 24 provides axial rather than radial flow. There is no connection to the overpressure valve 24 in the cross-sectional plane AA shown.

Also visible in FIG. 3 are structures 52 which serve to prevent errors in connecting the hose for the cleaning medium to the connection 28 . Since the structure is neither mirror symmetrical nor rotationally symmetrical, there is no question about the orientation of the valve block 10 when making a connection with the hose leading to the consumer.

FIG. 4 shows a first vertical cross-section through the cross-sectional plane BB of the valve block 10 of FIG. This section shows the part of the valve block 10 in which the cleaning medium supply connection 22 and the opposing overpressure valve 24 are arranged. The cleaning medium supply connection 22 opens directly into the central supply channel 32 and is connected without obstruction. The cavity of the central supply channel 32 filled with high pressure cleaning medium via the cleaning medium supply connection 22 communicates with the opening of the valve armature 40 of the overpressure valve 24 and pressurizes the valve armature 40 axially. . The valve armature, which may be made of plastic, is biased by a spring 46 and opens when the pressure of cleaning medium in the central supply channel 32 overcomes the reaction force of the spring 46 . When the valve armature 40 of the overpressure valve 24 is raised, a connection is established between the central feed channel 32 and the overflow connection with the connection opening 28 so that the pressure of the cleaning medium falls below the closing pressure of the spring 46, for example. A cleaning medium can be discharged via the connection.

Also, the overpressure valve 24 is a switchable electromagnetic valve. For this purpose, the overpressure valve 24 also has a coil body 36 and a coil 48 . The coil body 36 has as internal parts namely a spring 46, a valve armature 40, a coil core 49 and a magnetic return element 50. Thus, the electronic control unit 14 of the valve block 10 can open and close the overpressure valve 24 even in the absence of unacceptable overpressure. This can be done, for example, to fill the second cleaning medium reservoir. The return element 50 can be configured in particular as a two-part return plate consisting of identical parts, which facilitates manufacture and assembly.

FIG. 5 shows a vertical section CC through the valve block 10 of FIG. 2 through which a pair of switching valves 26 pass. The switching valve 26 is structurally the same or similar to the switchable overpressure valve 24, but has a different role than the overpressure valve 24 and, unlike the overpressure valve 24, operates radially rather than axially. , the dimensions of the individual elements differ from the switchable overpressure valve 24 . Around the respective valve armature 40 each switching valve 26 has a clearance space 42 which extends around the outer periphery of the valve armature 40 and extends to the upper end of the valve armature 40 . Interval space 42 is in constant communication with central feed channel 32 and is filled with cleaning medium at high pressure. Since the cleaning medium thus pressurizes the upper side of the valve armature 40 in the closing direction, the spring force of the spring 46 required to close the switching valve 26 is reduced. It should be noted that the spring 46 may be weaker and smaller than the spring 46 of the overpressure valve 24 . This provides a "self-sealing" function of the switching valve 26 and keeps leakage very low.

The underside of each valve armature 40 presses against a cleaning medium outlet 44 opening into the respective connection port 28 . In order to increase the tightness and allow a sufficiently tight connection with a relatively low spring force, the valve armatures 40 each have a sealing that ensures a positive and tight seat over the opening of the cleaning medium outlet 44. Contoured as cone 41 . Raising the respective valve armature 40 by energizing the respective coil 48 disconnects the central feed passage 32 from the cleaning medium outlet 44 of the switching valve 26 and allows the high pressure cleaning medium to flow through the switching valve 26 and respectively. to the consumer connected to the switching valve 26.

Switching valve 26, like overpressure valve 24, may be of lightweight construction using only plastic, with the exception of magnetic flux conducting components.

Supplementing the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, for example, a second cleaning medium supply connection can be provided, assuming compressed air as cleaning medium. 4 and 5 above or below the first central feed channel 32 for the cleaning medium and, by suitable three-dimensional structuring of the housing, the first There follows a second central feed channel which is airtightly separated from the central feed channel 32 of the . A second central supply channel can supply compressed air as a second cleaning medium to one or more switching valves. These switching valves are not connected to the first central supply channel 32 .

FIG. 6 shows the measurement signal responses 4, 6 to the measurement signal 2 according to the method according to the invention. The horizontal axis represents the time axis t, and the vertical axis represents the current I, both of which are displayed in arbitrary units. Measurement signal 2 contains 11 current pulses with a duty cycle of approximately 40%. The length of each individual pulse is approximately 5-10 μs. This measuring signal 2 is input into a measuring circuit which in this case comprises a switching valve. The current responses 4, 6 show the typical behavior of a resonant circuit, increasing within each pulse and decreasing with the rest time between pulses. The magnitude of each increase exceeds the magnitude of the decay in each period, so that the response signals 4, 6 increase overall.

Current response 4 represents the valve closed and current response 6 represents the valve open. The two current responses are clearly distinguishable from each other for both selected parameters for each pulse after about 9-11 pulses. This is because the displacement of the valve armature changed the inductance of the measuring circuit. In this case, the measuring signal is too small to change the position of the valve armature by itself. Also, in measuring circuits with multiple switching valves, it is also possible in this way to determine whether more than one valve armature is in the open position.

All features mentioned, whether taken solely from the drawings or disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, either alone or in combination. Embodiments according to the invention can be realized by individual features or by a combination of several features. In the context of the present invention, features marked "especially" or "preferably" shall be understood as optional features.

2 Measurement signal 4 Current response when valve is closed 6 Current response when valve is open 10 Valve block 12 Cover 14 Electronic control unit 15 Circuit board 16 Connection 17 Contact surface 20 Valve distribution housing 21 Fixed portion 22 Cleaning medium supply connection portion 24 Switching overpressure valve 26 Switching valve 28 Connection port 30 Contact spring 32 Central supply port 34 Wall opening 36 Coil body of overpressure valve 38 Switching valve 40... Valve armature 41... Sealing cone 42... Spacing space 44... Cleaning medium outlet 46... Spring 48... Coil 49... Coil core 50... Magnetic return element 52... Structure

Claims (15)

A valve block (10) for use in supplying a cleaning medium to multiple consumers, comprising:
at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22);
a plurality of switching valves (24, 26) connected to said at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22);
a control unit (14) configured to alternately actuate said switching valves (24, 26) individually and/or to actuate a plurality of said switching valves (24, 26) simultaneously;
a position detection unit configured to determine the switching position of the at least one switching valve (24, 26) without sensors;
a valve block (10) having a 2. Valve block (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the position detection unit is constructed as part of the control unit (14). 3. Valve block (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the switching valves (24, 26) is designed as a switchable overpressure valve (24). Said position detection unit comprises a plurality of pulses, in particular pulse width modulated, to at least one current measuring circuit with one or more said switching valves (24, 26), in particular by means of an LED driver unit, said switching to provide a measuring signal (2) which is measured without affecting the position of the valves (24, 26), to measure the course of the current intensity (4, 6) and to measure the changeover valve (24, 24, 24) of the current measuring circuit; 26) are arranged to be compared with one or more expected values indicative of how many of 26) are in the open position. valve block (10). having its own current measuring circuit for each switching valve (24, 26), the measurement in each current measuring circuit being individually, in particular continuously circulating through said plurality of switching valves, or of all the currents. A specific current measurement which is performed on the total signal from the measuring circuit and evaluates in particular for the at least one switchable overpressure valve (24) with respect to the position of said at least one switchable overpressure valve (24) 5. Valve block (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that a circuit is present. A valve block (10), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for use in supplying a cleaning medium to a plurality of consumers, comprising:
at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22);
a plurality of switching valves (24, 26) connected to said at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22);
a control unit (14) configured to individually control the switching valves (24, 26);
A valve in which said valve block (10) comprises said at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22) and a plurality of switching valves (26) connected to said at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22) a distribution housing (20) and a cover (12) in which an electronic control unit (14) of said valve block (10) is housed and in combination with said valve distribution housing (20) said valve block (10) is formed; A valve block (10) comprising: Is an electrical connection between the electronic control unit (14) on the one hand and the switching valves (24, 26) on the other hand possible via electrically conductive spring contacts, in particular contact springs (30)? or established. The connection of the at least one cleaning medium supply connection (22) to the switching valves (24, 26) takes place via at least one central supply channel (32), the at least one central supply channel (32 ) on two opposite sides each have a connection, in particular an opening in the wall, to the respective switching valve (24, 26), said switching valve (24, 26) being connected to said at least one switching valve (24, 26). Arranged in two rows on either side of one central supply channel (32), in particular a plurality of cleaning medium supply connections (22) and supply channels (32) for different cleaning media, in particular cleaning liquid and compressed air, are provided. 8. The cleaning medium supply connection (22) and the supply channel (32) are connected to different switching valves (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A valve block (10) according to . 8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one switchable overpressure valve (24) has an axial flow of the cleaning medium and the remaining switching valves (26) have a radial flow of the cleaning medium. A valve block (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The switching valve (26) is kept closed by a first spring force and the at least one switchable overpressure valve (24) is subjected to a second spring force greater than the first spring force. 10. The valve block (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that it has a coil body (36) which is kept closed by a , in particular different from the switching valve (26). ). The valve armatures (40) of the switching valves (26) are each provided with a clearance space (42) on the switching valves (26), the switching valves (26) being connected to the cleaning medium supply connection (22). It is in fluid communication and sealed in an axially rearward portion, said axially rearward portion being arranged opposite a respective cleaning medium outlet of said switching valve (26), the fluid being, in particular, flowing through said valve armature. 10. Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the valve armatures (40) of the switching valves (26) are each provided with a sealing cone (41). A valve block (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. 12. The valve block (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching valve (26) comprises or can comprise a separately weldable valve connection (28). ). The side of the valve block (10), in particular the valve distributor housing (20), in which the valve connection (16) is located, is characterized by an orientation structure (52) that is mirror asymmetric and rotationally asymmetric. A valve block (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. A method of supplying a cleaning medium using a valve block (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising:
a control unit (14) of said valve block (10) controlling to open and close individual or multiple switching valves (24, 26) of said valve block (10);
the position detection unit determines the switching position of the at least one switching valve (24, 26) without sensors;
Said position detection unit has in particular a plurality of pulses, in particular pulse width modulated, in at least one current measuring circuit with one or more said switching valves (24, 26), said switching valves (24 , 26), measuring the course of the current intensity (4, 6) and measuring the change-over valve (24, 26) of the current measuring circuit. A method characterized by comparing to one or more expected values indicative of how many of them are in an open position. 14. Use of a valve block (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in particular in a motor vehicle, for supplying cleaning medium to a plurality of consumers, in particular a plurality of consumers Uses that contain multiple sensors to be cleaned.